Breaking: Freshmen Spark Saint Joseph’s to Victory against Delaware State, Williford & Myers Shine with Career-High Performances
PHILADELPHIA — In a dominant display, the Saint Joseph’s Hawks, buoyed by an exceptional performance from their young stars, overpowered the Delaware State Hornets, 67-51, in Thursday night’s men’s basketball clash. Freshmen Austin Williford and Khaafiq Myers led the charge, propelling the SJU lineup to a decisive win.
The 6’3″ guard Williford set career-highs across the board, erupting for 14 points, four three-pointers, and a remarkable five steals, proving to be a force on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, the 6’4″ freshman Myers contributed 11 points, three assists, and three rebounds, showcasing his well-rounded game.
The gifted freshmen were far from the only standout performers for the Hawks. Redshirt freshmen Dasear Haskins (9 points, 8 rebounds) and Anthony Finkley (8 points, 8 rebounds) both had strong nights, while senior Justice Ajogbor swatted away four blocks—contributing to SJU’s season-high nine blocks as a team.
The game was never in doubt as the Hawks raced to a 20-point halftime lead, with Williford’s impressive first half (14 points, 3 steals) and Myers’ second-half surge (9 points) steering the team to victory. The Hawks will now turn their attention to Monday’s home game against Coastal Carolina at 7:00 p.m., a matchup set to air on ESPN+.
Saint Joseph’s Men’s Basketball: Underclassmen Step Up in Impressive Win Over Delaware State
Breakout Performances from Williford and Myers Lead Hawks to Victory
The Saint Joseph’s men’s basketball team continued their strong play at home, defeating the Delaware State Hornets 67-51 in a dominant performance on Thursday night. The Hawks received standout efforts from their younger players, with several underclassmen stepping up in a big way.
Williford and Myers: The Stars of the Night
Junior guard Austin Williford and sophomore guard Khaafiq Myers were the catalysts for the Hawks’ victory, combining for 25 points, six assists, and eight rebounds.
- Williford’s Career Night: Williford set numerous career-highs, including 14 points, four three-pointers, and five steals, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor.
- Myers’ All-Around Performance: Myers contributed 11 points, three assists, and three rebounds, stepping up in the second half to help ice the victory.
Freshmen and Redshirt Freshmen Shine
The Hawks’ youth movement continued to impress, with freshmen and redshirt freshmen accounting for 30 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. The future looks bright for Saint Joseph’s as these young players continue to develop and gain valuable experience.
Haskins, Finkley, and Ajogbor: Steady Contributions
Other key contributors included redshirt junior forward Dasear Haskins (9 points, 8 rebounds) and sophomore forwards Anthony Finkley (8 points, 8 rebounds) and Justice Ajogbor (4 blocks), who each played crucial roles in the Hawks’ victory.
How It Happened
The Hawks came out hot, draining three-pointers on their first three possessions, two from Williford, to build an early 9-4 lead. Delaware State responded, pulling within three before Saint Joseph’s finished the half on a 15-3 run, carrying a 33-18 lead into the locker room.
In the second half, Myers took over, scoring nine of his 11 points, as the Hawks stretched their lead to as many as 26 before coasting to a 67-51 victory.
Up Next: Coastal Carolina
The Hawks will continue their three-game homestand, welcoming the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers to Hagan Arena on Monday, December 22. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST, with coverage provided by ESPN+.
Did You Know?
The last time Saint Joseph’s recorded nine blocked shots in a game was on January 16, 2021, against the Massachusetts Minutemen. The Hawks’ defensive intensity has been a highlight in their recent success.
FAQ
Q: Who led the Hawks in scoring against Delaware State?
Williford and Myers each led the team with 14 points apiece.
Q: How many steals did Williford record in the game?
Williford set a career-high with five steals against the Hornets.
Q: When is the next home game for Saint Joseph’s?
The Hawks will host Coastal Carolina on Monday, December 22, at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Pro Tips for Hawk Fans
Looking to catch the next Saint Joseph’s men’s basketball game at Hagan Arena? Here’s how you can enhance your experience:
- Arrive Early: Enjoy pre-game activities, such as meeting the players andstocking up on snacks, before tipoff.
- Download the Saint Joseph’s Athletics App: Stay up-to-date with exclusive content, live stats, and more all from your mobile device.
- Show Your Hawk Pride: Don’t forget to wear your Saint Joseph’s gear and join in on the chants to create a lively atmosphere.
Join the Conversation
What did you think of the Hawks’ impressive victory over Delaware State? Share your thoughts, and join the discussion with other Saint Joseph’s fans in the comments section below. Next up, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers visit Hagan Arena on Monday. Be sure to mark your calendars and get ready to cheer on the Hawks to another win!